Position Summary:

• This position provides leadership in the development and communication of the volume forecasts and associated on-going improvements within demand planning.
• Using SAP/APO the planner will assess, deploy, and make on-going enhancements to support accurate volume forecasting through statistical modeling and facilitation of the S&OP consensus process.
• Works with other leaders in the Demand Planning, Insights & Analytics, Sales, and General Managers, to continuously improve demand accuracy and associated analytics to explain changes in demand.
• Directs the work efforts through on-going reviews of available inputs, understanding business drivers and supporting scenario development.
• Influences and mentors forecast analysts and other cross-functional partners to improve overall analytical capability.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for the Consensus Forecast. Aligned with assigned categories.
• Drives/facilitates Volume Consensus process across Vice President/General Manager portfolio.
• Layers in outside information on top of statistical forecast to determine consensus forecast adjustments to statistical forecast.
• Focuses on understanding business and living w/brand managers to understand business drivers, inputs and initiatives.
• Works with the General Managers and Sales counterparts to develop forecast inputs.
• Ensures reasonableness of inputs.
• Translates GM and Sales inputs for input into Volume forecast.
• Provides inputs at both consensus and lower levels, as necessary, to ensure accuracy at all levels down to SKU/Month.
• Conducts root causal analysis of business performance against forecast and pacing gaps.
• Communicates key assumptions (i.e. merch calendar, distribution changes, pricing, etc).
• Develops executive volume forecast summary including drivers.
• Monitors Business Development/Sales monthly change review to identify new/changing sales inputs to forecast.
• Facilitates the volume Q&A.

Qualifications And Requirements

• B.S degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance or related field 2 to 4 years of previous experience in forecasting, preferably within food industry or other CPG-related companies
• Experience in and/or exposure to S&OP processes and procedures, customer planning and/or supply planning Practical and demonstrated use of productivity/continuous improvement methodology in previous positions
• Exceptional analytical and problem solving skills
• Thorough understanding of P&L including general management and supply chain cost structure
• Excellent communication skills - both formal and informal
• Methodology aptitudes & leadership in areas such as forecasting, team facilitation, problem solving, and overall solution optimization
• Demonstrated ability to lead a cross-functional project team and appropriately manage multiple demands on time Experience training and mentoring others

Key Skills: